Coding the Minds of Tomorrow

This fast-moving, crazy world we’re living in; where technology is changing overnight and Rosie from the Jetsons has been a reality for a while, is proof enough we’re living the futures we once dreamed about as kids.

With these great innovations, concerns are raised regarding future jobs and workplaces. No one can definitively declare what the world will look like for our children but, experts theorise on what, when, how and who will be running the world in 2050. And rumour has it, coding is going to play an even bigger part than it does today in how the world will operate.

Last year, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the introduction of a mandatory program of coding and robotics for prep to year 10 across the state. And more recently, President Obama introduced the ‘Computer Science For All’ initiative to bring computer science classes into all American classrooms from kindergarten through high school. These are just two examples reinforcing how education needs to adapt to the world we - as developers and innovators, are changing around them. Looking closer to home, not too much has been suggested for our Victorian younglings’ curriculum, yet and more’s the pity. In the meantime, fortunately, there’s more to education than formal schooling. (that is not an endorsement to drop out, kids!)

Enter: Coder Dojo; a volunteer-led, community-based organisation dedicated to empowering young people to learn about technology and understanding how they can help shape its future. Not every child will grow up wanting to write code for a living, but everyone who attends a Dojo will benefit from gaining insight into the magic of technology and develop an understanding of its importance.

At a Dojo, kids supported by volunteer mentors from the Melbourne tech community. In a social and creative environment, kids are able to discover what they’re capable of, by building their own apps, developing their own websites, playing with robots and eventually, taking over the world. In part, CoderDojo is addressing the issue that some schools have; being in a position to administer computer science classes. It also offers a fun and engaging platform for kids to learn outside their classroom walls. Over 470 CoderDojos have been established around the world, with Shine Technologies’ Graham Polley and Shane Neubauer kicking off the second Melbourne chapter in 2015 at Inspire9.

“I can honestly say that volunteering and teaching kids how to code is the most fun I’ve had in a long time! It’s amazing to meet such awesome kids, and to see them getting hooked on this stuff at such an early age.” — Graham Polley

Co-sponsoring with Shine Technologies, Inspire9 is excited to be able to give a home to the CoderDojo community. We’re passionate about giving young humans an opportunity that will stretch their imaginations and prepare them for great futures. Maybe they’ll become the next Bill Gates or Margaret Hamilton.

Ages 7–17 are welcome at a Dojo, and we encourage everyone to come along to experience the Dojo magic. Term 1 CoderDojo at Inspire9 runs every Saturday during February — March between 10am-12pm from Feb 6th. It’s 100% free, all kids need to bring is a laptop with Scratch 2.0 already installed and a parent — a perfect opportunity for you to collaborate and learn together!

If you’d like to learn more, become a mentor, or even just help out, visit Melbourne CoderDojo, or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Until then, happy coding!